Gen Yuthasak said that he believed the attacks by insurgent groups in Yala were aimed to challenge the army after the reshuffle of commanders.

In the mid-year army reshuffle, Lt-Gen Walit Rojanapakdi, commander of the 1st Army Corp, was appointed 4th Army Region commander, replacing Lt-Gen Sakol Chuentrakul.

National Security Council Secretary General Paradorn Pattanatabut said the insurgents normally intensified their attacks during April as a symbolic violent attack calling attention to the anniversary of the Krue Se mosque incident.

Lt Gen Paradorn said the change of 4th Army Region commander may have led the insurgents to test the newly appointed chief and test the government policy as well.

The suspended peace talks may be a factor, he added, saying that the unstable political situation has affected attempts to solve the problems in the southern provinces, leading to changes in policy and budget.